Google’s environmental report pointedly avoids AI’s actual energy cost
What does Google's 2024 Environmental Report cover?
Google's 2024 Environmental Report covers the company's environmental sustainability strategy, targets, and annual progress3. It features information from the 2023 fiscal year and highlights achievements in areas such as AI, data center efficiency, water stewardship, and clean energy procurement3. The report also discusses challenges faced in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and outlines future goals for sustainability4.
How does Google's AI contribute to environmental issues?
Google's AI contributes to environmental issues by significantly increasing energy consumption and carbon emissions. The company's annual environmental report reveals that its pollution equated to 14.3 million tonnes of carbon equivalent in 2023, a 13% increase over the previous year, primarily due to the expansion of data centers that power its AI tools1. This makes it harder for Google to meet its goal of eliminating carbon emissions by 2030.
What is Google's water replenishment program aiming for?
Google's water replenishment program aims to replenish 120% of the freshwater volume it consumes, on average, across its offices and data centers by 2030. The program focuses on enhancing water resource stewardship, replenishing water use, and improving watershed health and ecosystems in water-stressed communities.